I agree, not all of them are aggressive, but most of them are full on.

For me, mine have been full on in different ways. My daughter at that age was "into everything" - I couldn't take her anywhere without scanning constantly for things she would put in her mouth - be it on the floor, or anything within her reach really. She was a mouther, and between 12 months and about 2.5 when she outgrew it, it was a full time job to make sure she didn't choke, or stick something dangerous in her gob. She would also be in people's cupboards and pulling out their underwear if I took my eyes off her for 2 seconds. She is inquisitive and even now at nearly 5, she still has that streak though now she understands (a bit) better what is socially acceptable and what isn't.

My son is physically full on - he is loud and energetic, everywhere all at once. If I take my eyes off him for two seconds he's hanging by his fingernails off something, or he is headed 10 miles up the street. So he is demanding in a different way.

It's scary when you watch it, but honestly, once your child is that this stage you seem to develop a radar and you just automatically deal with it - like your friends did.

And it's certainly not all bad ! At this age they really get to be fun too, and much more interesting